Austin FC owner: Chicharito type of player we want

Austin FC owner Anthony Precourt said Mexico star Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez is the type of player he wants at the MLS expansion club, saying they'll be active in recruiting him.

Speaking on Austin's Soccer Pod, Precourt said: "I'd be as excited as anyone. That's the type of player we'll target, and we'll give our best pitch. I think he's got a year left on his contract at West Ham and I think there's other clubs that are rumored to be looking at him in MLS."

"We'll certainly be active in trying to recruit him in the years to come."

Austin FC will join MLS in 2021, and recently set a MLS record for season ticket deposits, reaching more than 30,000 pledges.

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez is a popular fixture in the MLS rumor mill. ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images

Hernandez has been regularly linked to moves to MLS but has repeatedly stated he wants to remain in Europe. He has spent the last two seasons at West Ham, where he has scored 15 goals in 53 appearances. The former Manchester United forward has also played at Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen.

He remains a popular figure in Mexican soccer despite skipping out on the Gold Cup for El Tri this summer due to personal reasons. His wife gave birth to their son earlier this week.

Hernandez his Mexico's all-time leading goal scorer (51) and has played at three World Cups.